Crankcase drain



E. RYDER CRANKCASE DRAIN June i4, 1938.

Filed Dec. 13, 1954 Patented June 14, 1938 UNITED STATES PATE OFFICE 2 Claims.

The present invention relates to a drain device and more particularly to a novel drain attachment for crank cases andthe like from which the lubricant is periodically drained.

Among the objects of the present invention is the provision of a novel attachment for draining the lubricant from the base of a crank case or sump without the necessity of crawling below the engine to remove the drain plug. The novel drain mechanism is operable from any accessible and convenient point, preferably fromr below the hood, for completely draining the crank case.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a novel valve mechanism for a drain port which is so constructed as to prevent the valve from clogging and remaining open.

A still further object is to provide a novel operating means for the drain mechanism, and a novel locking means for maintaining the mechanism in open position.

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a novel adapter or bushing whereby the drain device may be attached to crank cases and the like having various size drain openings.

Further objects are to provide a construction of maximum simplicity, eiciency, economy and ease of assembly and operation, and Such further objects, advantages and capabilities as will later more fully appear and are inherently possessed thereby.

The invention further resides in the construction, combination and arrangement of parts illustrated in the accompanying drawing, and While I have shown therein a preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that the same is susceptible of modification and change, and comprehends other details, arrangements of parts, features and constructions without departing from the spirit of the invention.

In the drawing:

Fig. 1 is a view in end elevation of an internal combustion engine with the drain attachment mounted thereon.

Fig. 2 is a view in vertical cross section through the drain and a portion of the crank case.

Fig, 3 is a view in side elevation of the drain, but disclosing in vertical cross section, an adapter or bushing therefor.

Fig. 4 is a View in perspective'of the adapter.

Fig. 5 is a view, part in side elevation and part in vertical cross section, of an operating button or handle and the mounting therefor.

Referring more particularly to the disclosure in the drawing, the novel invention is shown as applied to an internal combustion engine I having a crank case or sump 2 for the lubricant supply. This crank case or sump is provided with the usual drain outlet 3 generally closed by a suitable drain plug which has to be manually removed. Such manual removal requires the operator or mechanic to get under the automobile in order to unscrew the plug and results in the soiling of his clothing and hands with the drained lubricant aswell as from the oil, dirt, etc., collected on the bottom of the automobile.

The present attachment replaces the usual drain plug and comprises a nipple or coupling 4 having a threaded stud 5 adapted to be threaded into the drain outlet 3. Below this stud is provided a peripheral shoulder 6 adapted when the nipple Il is threaded into the crank case, to clamp therebetween ay gasket or washer 'I for providing a liquid-tight seal. The opening or passage 8 in the stud communicates with a port or passage 9 in the coupling or nipple 4, the latter in turn communicating with an` offset discharge Ill for the lubricant to be drained.

The nipple or coupling is provided with a longitudinally extending opening II communicating with the opening 9 but of greater diameter or cross section so as to provide an annular shoulder forming a valve seat I2. Within the nipple or coupling is mounted a slidable valve member I3 provided with a conical valve seat I4 adapted to form a line Contact with the valve seat I2 and to close off the port or passage 9, and a spring Ida.

In order to retract or release the valve member I3, the body thereof is connected at I5 to a movable wire or element I6 of a Bowden wire I1. The opposite end of the movable wire I6 is attached at I8 to a plunger I9 slidable in a sleeve m'ounted upon a bracket 2l by means of a shoulder 22 and lock-nut 23. The bracket in turn is suitably mounted at 24 on an accessible part of the engine I. The outer flexible sheath $25 of the wire il has its one end rigidly held in a bushing 26 in the coupling or nipple II by means of a set screw 2, while the opposite end is also held in the sleeve 20 by means of an indentation 28.

When it is desired to drain the crank case 2, all that is required is that the operator raise the hood and lift the button or handle 29 of the plunger I9. This plunger will automatically be held in a raised position against the tension of the spring Mr, by means of a leaf Spring 30 provided with a slot or opening 3l and a trigger part 32. This spring will bind against the plunger so as to snub it and maintain it in raised or open position, until released by raising the trigger.

In order to anchor this spring in place, an end 33 thereof is clamped between the bracket 2l and shoulder 22.

As the size of drain opening varies in different engines, the invention comprehends the use of an adapter 34. This adapter is in the form of a threaded bushing interiorly threaded at 35 so as to be threaded onto or receive the threaded stud 5, and is provided with exterior threads 36 adapted to be received in the drain outlet 3. The stud 5 and adapter 34 permit the attachment to be tted to any make of engine.

From the above description and the disclosure in the drawing, it Will be readily apparent thaty the invention comprehends a novel drain, which although disclosed as mounted on a crank case of an internal combustion engine, has a much Wider field of use for draining fluid Wherever the outlet or discharge is so located as to be vpractically inaccessible or Where diiculty is had Vin securing access thereto. Also the drain may be ina side Wall'rather than in the base or bottom, as disclosed, or Aotherwise positioned.

It is a Well known fact that the residue in the base or bottom of the crank case contains particles of carbon, metallic particles from the Worn surfaces, dirt and other foreign matter which would tend to clog an ordinary valve construction and prevent the parts from forming a liquidtight seal. By reason of the present construction in which the shoulder l2 forms a relatively sharp seat and line contact with the valve member I3, any such particles are sheered to permit a tight sealing of the valve member.

As the present attachment merely replaces the usual drain and requires no other substitution or mounting of parts, and will fit any style or make of engine, the present invention has a universal application to all makes of automobiles.` By making the operating means or control flexible, it may be mounted and controlled at any desired or suitable place under the hood or otherwise placed on the automobile.

Another novel feature of the invention is that the valve may be momentarily opened to drain out any condensation of Water accumulating in the vvintertime and Which would collect in the bottom of the crank case. Also the residue of foreign particles may be drained off Without disturbing the upper strata of relatively clean lubricant.

Having thus disclosed the invention, I claim:

1. A device for retaining the plunger or the Y like in position, comprising a sleeve mounted in fixed position, a plunger slidable therethrough, a leaf spring anchored at one end upon the sleeve,

Vthe spring being bent upon itself and provided with a trigger part and an opening for the reception .of the plunger, the plunger and spring being so constructed and arranged that in one position of the spring the plunger is freely slidable through the opening and in its other position the spring is Vadapted to bind against and lock the plunger in an adjusted position, the trigger part being'adapted to move the spring to its first mentioned position to `release the plunger.

Y 2. A device for locking a plunger of a drain attachment of a crank caseV including a valve structure actuated by the plunger for draining the lubricant therefrom, comprising a sleeve, a plunger capable of relative movement with respect to said sleeve, and a leaf spring anchored at one end upon the sleeve, the spring being bent upon itself and having a trigger part and an opening for slidably receiving the plunger, the opening being ofa size to permit free sliding movement of the plunger therethrough Vupon movement of the trigger part and the spring locking the plunger in adjustable position upon release of the trigger part.

ELMER RYDER. 

